ISTANBUL MEDITERRANEAN
8896 N FLORIDA AVENUE, Tampa FL 33604 · 813-679-7127
Last inspected May 7, 2026 · 11 visits since November 2023
DEC 24
DEC 24
APR 25
AUG 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $560
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025067391 | Aug 25, 2025 | Nov 6, 2025 | $400 |
| 3--2021030720 | Feb 12, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 | $160 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
May 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing at time of inspection. Operator primed dish machine. Ending tested at 100ppm
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottle stored in kitchen. Operator labeled bleach during inspection.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small round plate in bulk humus in walk in cooler. Operator removed player during inspection.
Nov 19, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 27, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap.
Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area.
Aug 26, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 8 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over ready to eat food walk in cooler
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap.
Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink by coffee station.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Aug 26, 2025■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 11 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 1 flying insect in kitchen in front of reach in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over ready to eat food walk in cooler
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line.
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 10 egg sac casings underneath reach in cooler on cooks line.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 2 dead roaches underneath the dry storage area.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap.
Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink by coffee station.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Aug 25, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touching cooked bread.
Live, small flying insects found 1 flying insect in kitchen in front of reach in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs over ready to eat food walk in cooler
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 1 live roach underneath cabinet in cashier area. 2 live roaches underneath the reach in cooler on cooks line.
Roach excrement and/or droppings present. 10 egg sac casings underneath reach in cooler on cooks line.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Mevlana Sarac 05-08-2025
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employees washing dishes in hand washing sink in front.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 training, 4 employee trainings missing.
Dead roaches on premises. 2 dead roaches underneath reach in cooler on cooks line. 2 dead roaches underneath the dry storage area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on pans above hand washing sink
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Front door has gap.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Multiple container lids in walk in coolers cracked.
Food stored on floor. Containers of food stored on the floor in walk in coolers behind grocery area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At hand washing sink by coffee station.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Spices in back kitchen not labeled.
Apr 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed food stored in togo thank you bags in reach in freezer. Operator had employee move product to zip lock bags during inspection.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle in bulk red lentils at time of ianpection. Operator removed scoop during inspection.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk foods kept in containers not labeled at time of. Salt, sugar.
Dec 30, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Met inspection standards. 16 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Newley backed bread rolls stored on top of desserts reach-in-cooler exposed to customers who may walk up to the dessert cooler. Operators moving behind on food storage rack.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed toxic cleaning chemicals stored on top of food in grocery area. Discussed storage separation with Owner/Manager
Expired chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Chlorine
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink in front kitchen area blocked by large trash can and small glasses stored inside hand sink
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Food container in back kitchen area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Metal containers in back kitchen area
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Observed boxes of croissants and glass containers of cabbage leaves stored on floor in grocery area. Large pot of cooked Mariana Sauce stored on floor in kitchen area. Walk-in-cooler
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Glass door cracked on reach-in-cooler in front kitchen area on cooksline
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Front kitchen area
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. On cooksline stove
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Slow drip faucet at hand sink in front kitchen area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Back kitchen area
Yellow wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Front kitchen area
Dec 4, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 19 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed operator using bare hands to cut unwashed lettuce and placing in prep reach-in-cooler without washing. Discussed with operator proper handling of cut leafy greens and hand washing procedures.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter melted (for bread) at 69 F sitting out at room temperature. Inspector sugggested using time as a public health control form for future use. Cut leafy greens cooling 59 F; Tzatziki sauce 47 F; (cooled to 41 F); Rice pudding 49 F (cooler in defrost and discussed with operator);
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed toxic cleaning chemicals stored on top of food in grocery area. Discussed storage separation with Owner/Manager
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed cooking pan inside and blocked by large trash in back kitchen area
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in walk-in-cooler
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in containers in back kitchen area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Reach-in-cooler glass window broken and taped with foil.
Food stored on floor. In walk-in-cooler and dry storage area upstairs
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Oven
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease. And reach-in-cooler glass cooler in front kitchen area
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed in glass reach-in-cooler in back kitchen area.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed operator using bare hands to cut unwashed lettuce and placing in prep reach-in-cooler without washing. Discussed with operator proper handling of cut leafy greens and hand washing procedures.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. On prepping table in front kitchen area
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White containers in back kitchen area underneath shelf not labeled
Apr 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed medicine bottle on top of dish machine
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly.
Self-service salad bar/buffet lacking adequate sneezeguards or other proper protection from contamination. Observed unwrapped bread on counter of display case.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Nov 27, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored over cooked food in glass reach-in-cooler in back kitchen area
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Coffee items stored in front kitchen area hand sink
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked foods in reach-in-coolers in back kitchen area
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Back kitchen area area on prep table
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.